2012 Chevrolet Colorado
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 361 |
| 2005 | 356 |
| 2006 | 236 |
| 2007 | 140 |
| 2008 | 81 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 41 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 483 |
| 2016 | 694 |
| 2017 | 213 |
| 2018 | 176 |
| 2019 | 144 |
| 2020 | 79 |
| 2021 | 67 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 129 |
| 2024 | 114 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
22% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
17% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING TO WORK AT 5:00 AM WITH ALMOST NO TRAFFIC. A PICKUP TRUCK IN THE NEXT LANE LEFT OF ME HAD A PIECE OF PLYWOOD EJECTED FROM THE BED AND WAS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR TOWARDS THE FRONT OF MY PICKUP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140501
17% of complaints: engine — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED BUT THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120621
17% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220119
12% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220210
SAFETY TIMELINE
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUI
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CO
Campaign 11V552000 — check if this car was fixed
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirem
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The re
Campaign 12V594000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Chevrolet Colorado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V552000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.